The City We Became

The City We Became is N.K. Jemisin's 2020 urban fantasy novel set in New York City, where major cities manifest as living entities through human avatars. The story centers on five individuals who become avatars of NYC's boroughs after the city's primary avatar vanishes. The novel follows these borough avatars - including a graduate student representing Manhattan, a former rapper turned politician for Brooklyn, and a Staten Island librarian - as they discover their powers and connections to their territories. Each avatar channels the essence and energy of their borough while confronting a supernatural threat that aims to destroy New York City. The stakes escalate as the avatars must unite despite their differences to protect their city, while an otherworldly enemy works to exploit divisions and weaknesses within New York's social fabric. The story spans all five boroughs, incorporating real NYC landmarks and cultural touchstones. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and urban life while addressing racism, gentrification, and the complex intersections of culture in modern cities. Through its fantasy elements, the book examines what makes a city truly come alive and how diverse communities can form a unified whole.

Readers praise the unique premise and Jemisin's creative portrayal of New York City's boroughs as living avatars. Many connect with the diverse characters and their distinct personalities that reflect their neighborhoods. Several reviews highlight the book's commentary on gentrification, racism, and urban identity. Common criticisms include a slow start, confusing plot progression, and difficulty connecting with the abstract concepts. Some readers found the metaphors heavy-handed and the villains one-dimensional. Multiple reviews mention struggling to finish the book despite enjoying Jemisin's other works. "The personification of NYC boroughs felt forced" - Goodreads reviewer "Characters spend too much time explaining rather than doing" - Amazon review Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (52,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (3,800+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4/5 (members) NPR Readers Poll: #125 on "Best Books of 2020"

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Perdido Street Station by China Miéville A sprawling steampunk metropolis becomes its own character as scientists and citizens confront supernatural threats in this tale of urban transformation.

Zoo City by Lauren Beukes Johannesburg's districts and communities manifest magical properties as residents marked by animal familiars navigate urban tensions and mysterious forces.

🌟 Jemisin made history as the first author to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel three years in a row (2016-2018). 🏙️ The novel was expanded from Jemisin's earlier short story "The City Born Great," published in her collection "How Long 'til Black Future Month?" 🗽 The book's concept draws from the real philosophical concept of "genius loci" - the protective spirit of a place in Roman religion. 🎨 The cover art was created by renowned artist Arcangel, known for creating striking, contemporary urban fantasy imagery. 📚 Before "The City We Became," Jemisin worked as a counseling psychologist and wrote book reviews for The New York Times.